We'll be leading this Saturday workshop with David Rovics, as part of the People’s Music Network Winter Convergence, a 3-day event from Jan 28th to 30th that connects and mobilizes performing artists and activists all over the world who use music, poetry, and other art forms as catalysts for justice and peace.

“Musicians in Space . . . Virtual Space, That Is”

To riff off Karl Marx, musicians make their own music, but not under circumstances we choose. Instead, we make music under existing circumstances, given by the past. Today, that means navigating a gig economy, driven by a few massive online platforms that have fundamentally re-shaped how people interact with music. This workshop is a follow up to a session that David Rovics and Emma’s Revolution (Pat Humphries and Sandy O) led in June 2021.

We’ll consider the political economy of the gig economy, examining certain elite discourses around the “metaverse” – a new manifestation of the Internet in everyday life. We’ll also present examples of ways that artists are using their music to pull together communities of support. The changes in the music industry generally have affected the writing and recording process, but the music still lives on.

The Winter Convergence of the People's Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle -- January 28-30, 2022 -- connects and mobilizes performing artists and activists all over the world who use music, poetry, and other art forms as catalysts for justice and peace. It includes an opening concert, multiple skills workshops, presentations, and participatory song circles. It takes place in a series of Zoom Rooms, led by experienced facilitators. Attendees may also sign up for a performance slot in the Round Robin, and reconnect with others during the built-in social times.